Sunday, January 29, 2017

Our life, our times :: 5 :: Indomitable Afghan women

A
recent report on the first Afghan women’s orchestra taking Davos (Switzerland)
by storm stirred some memories. Lately, it was unthinkable that music would be
something which would be allowed in Afghanistan, more so, for women to indulge
in it. The reasons are not far to seek. Music is reckoned as un-Islamic by the
rigorous practitioners of Islam. Under the Taliban’s ultra-Islamic rule, leave
alone women, it was taboo for even men.

Women in Afghanistan always got the raw end
of the stick. No one knows how many women sacrificed their life in wriggling
out and away from under the heavy weight of Taliban boots where they were being
constantly squashed. They were so effectively subdued that their world was
confined only to within their veils. A few stray stories could come out of the
veritable prison that they were in by the brave and indomitable ones who were
successful in escaping from the clutches of those brutes. And, surprisingly,
not too long before that they were so very free.

I
recall my two months in Kabul in 1983 – around 35 years ago. A part of the
country was under the occupation of the then Soviet Russia. Vast parts were
under the control of the Mujahideens and, as UN consultants, we were permitted
to move around only within 3 square kilometers of Kabul. Even the hills
surrounding the city were held by Mujahids. Every night there would be fire
fights and one would hear shrieks, generally emanating from women.

And yet, during the day business would be as usual.
Shops would open up and do brisk business. Dhabas and restaurants would be
preparing for the custom expected for lunch. An occasional strain over
loudspeakers would waft in of a Hindi film song.

Women
were largely free. They would be in offices by 8.00 AM well dressed, tastefully
made up with stylish hair-dos. They were freely working with men and would be
generally in Western dresses, some even wearing denims and tee shirts. No burqas,
hijabs or chadors for them. They did not know English but were great admirers
of India and, of course, Bollywood films – India’s infallible soft power. A
senior lady among them by the name Zermina spoke fluent English. She was
connected with the family of the exiled King and, hence, was much travelled.
What struck me most was the freedom that educated women enjoyed despite being
in an Islamic country. Zermina used to tell me that during King’s rule
night-life was great; there would be late night parties, socials and cabarets
in restaurants and Kabul was considered as Paris of the East – unbelievable,
but that’s precisely what she said.

But
those free days came to an end as the Soviets retreated – beaten back by the
Mujahideens, the Talibans and Pakistani regulars and irregulars actively
encouraged by the US. Dark days descended on Afghanistan as the country came under
the ultra conservative Taliban who smothered freedom generally and of women in
particular. They were all pushed back from the public spaces and driven back
into their veils or within the limited spaces of their houses. Many were killed
for raising their heads. Rapes and murders became order of the day.

Though
the country has now a democratic government presided over by President Ghani
yet the ultra conservatives continue to have their sway in large parts. Let us
face it; it is a Muslim country, after all, where most are conservative and
where Islamic social values hold primacy. Adhering to their faith as the
Afghanis do, it will take a long time for them to become a liberal society. For
these Afghani ladies, therefore, to come out from such a hide-bound society and
collect together for musical sessions and then to come out on a trip to regale an
elitist Western audience speaks hugely of their guts, courage and commitment to
the idea of freedom and to their chosen performing art – a medium through which
they hope to realize their dreams.

We,
from the fringes, can only call out “bravo” to them and wish them Godspeed.

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About Me

There would seem to be no point in talking about the position I used to hold. What is more relevant today is that I am retired from the service of government of India where I worked for thirty four years in senior positions ending just below the top of my department. I retired more than twenty years ago. To be fruitfully engaged I took to blogging and writing articles, initially, on local issues but now for years I have been writing on topical and environmental matters. The writings in the local supplement of a national daily gave me some kind of a positive identity in the town which culminated in my being nominated to be a founder member of Bhopal Citizens' Forum, a powerful pressure group. I am , I think, fruitfully engaged and I have no complaints against life.